Kudos Health Club

I am a marketing and communications consultant and freelance writer. Living on the Gold Coast in Australia. Check out my website www.sarahsays.com.au or follow on Twitter @WENGoldCoast

Published May 13th 2014

Witness The Fitness

After having a baby in December, the time had come (unfortunately) to get back on the exercise bandwagon. Having lost 12 kilos in 2012, I had now gained back more through my pregnancy, and I wanted and needed to make a change, and I knew that unlike before I would need some proper help, in the form of a health club.

I shopped around looking for somewhere awesome, casual and friendly where I knew I would achieve results. I have been to gyms before and had the pressure of trainers and weigh-ins and constant monitoring which I don't really like, those that are expensive to join and per month but you still have to pay for classes, or those where they take the money and demand a 12 month contract but you feel like just a number.

Then I found Kudos Health Club, at Centrepoint, opposite the Arts Centre in Bundall, just by Chevron Island and Surfers Paradise. I only found out about it through word of mouth, and living so close, as it didn't come up on any online searches. I went off for a look around and was very impressed with what I saw.

The two people who I spoke to were super friendly and helpful, but not pushy, just happy to show me around and answer my questions. They have no joining fee just weekly payments ($25 per week off peak, $35 per week full) and all classes and breakfast is included.

They have a huge 25-meter swimming pool that is heated in the winter, which is perfect for me, as swimming is really the only exercise I enjoy. In the pool they have a number of classes throughout the day, for people of all strengths - I have seen a few and they look lots of fun. I have always managed to get a lane, even if there is a class. They also have benches, tables and recliners in the courtyard where you can sit and have a coffee or soak up some sun - ideal for me, a new mum, looking for a bit of "me time".

The gym is huge with loads of state-of-the-art cardio and strength machines plus a weights section, and plenty of floor space. I have been a varying times and it is never so busy you cannot get on things, they have lots of the most popular machines so you don't have that annoying waiting. Each cardio machine has its own screen which you can plug into and listen to music or watch tv - a wonderful way to make the time go quickly without realising. They have group training sessions in the gym which look pretty hard-core, perhaps I'll take part when my fitness levels are higher.

They have a spin room and a large studio for a variety of classes including Zumba, spin, boxing, circuit, boot camp, pilates and yoga and much more. Phew! Although I prefer to just do my own thing, they do have personal trainers that can put you through your paces.

When I joined I was told that they pride themselves on being a "community" and that is certainly what I have found, every member of staff knows my name and greets me with a smile when I come in, many of them I have never spoke to but they take the time to know each and every member. When I said I wanted to do my own thing, instead of putting pressure on for personal training (like I have experienced in other gyms) they respected that and have let me get on with things at my own pace.

There is a real mix of people who go - young and older, men and women, corporate and mums, experienced gym goers and those looking for some casual and social fitness. Everyone is really friendly and chats to each other and you can tell that real friendships have formed from joining.

The changing facilities are really good too, showers and free toiletries, hair dryers and straighteners plus a awesome hot sauna to soothe those aching muscles. You get given a free large towel when you join plus your pass lets you into the private car park so you won't have parking issues.

Additional aspects are that they have a small crèche for babies over six months which is perfect as it gives me more flexibility, as I'm not reliant on others to watch my daughter. Plus they have a number of social things to get involved in such as running teams, charity events and networking events at the club, adding to the community spirit.

Breakfast is good too, coffee, tea, juices and cereals and toast available from opening till 10:30am each day. There is also a cafe style area where you can relax and read the paper, which has free WiFi.